Vancouver Moments with the ACROS film simulation

The mission was simple: take the Fuji X-Pro2 with the XF 35mm F1.4 and head downtown to capture some Vancouver moments using the latest ACROS film simulation from Fuji.

We were after strong shadows, noticeable highlights and most importantly captivating scenes. We have already had a chance to shoot with this new film simulation and we really liked the new ‘weak’ grain effect. Therefore, we turned on this new option.

For those of you who would like to read more about the ACROS film simulation and its inner-workings, Patrick LaRoque shares some fascinating insights here.

ACROS also changes the output of graininess depending on the sensitivity setting. As the sensitivity gets higher, stronger grain effect becomes visible, just like the film.

An added quote is:

The unique grain effect, which becomes apparent at the higher ISO sensitivity. You can intentionally set the sensitivity high to enjoy the effect.

Based on this I would say the assumption that the grain effect of specifically the Acros film simulation is dependent on the ISO and not the “Grain” setting.

What I am trying to ascertain is whether the “Grain” setting hurts the Wizardry done by the Fujifilm engineers and is as they refer to it themselves within the article, simply a “grain element” on the original image?

Quoted below

Most of them try to achieve this by adding “grain-like element” to the original image. They simply add another layer of “dotted graininess” on top without changing the original photo composition. So something becomes unnatural in the process.

Well that is the exciting part to me…based on your images it really has the Acros look that I have come to depend on. I have shot digital next to film since the beginning (dslr’s since 2002…remember the Nikon D1x?? yikes) but have ended up using film exclusively for black and white landscapes (Pentax 67 4×5 and xpan) as I haven’t been fond of “conversions” (and I suck in PP) Acros is my stand by, love the look. If I could shoot acros like images (and not be stuck at 100 ISO!) it would be playtime! thanks for your blog. Great info…but may cost me money. Just put in to rent a x70 (which doesn’t have acros?) to see what it “feels” like.

I agree with you. However, I’m not sure whether replicating a film look was the main objective when creating the ACROS simulation. Digital and film are different and they have their own advantages/disadvantages.

Also, you have the option to add more grain. I used the “weak” grain option, but there is also a “strong” mode. I wonder if you would like that one better.